Charles S. Gulotta, Cathleen C. Piazza, Meeta R. Patel, & Stacy A. Layer (2005).
Using food redistribution to reduce packing in children with severe food refusal.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
38, 39-50.
Positive- and negative-reinforcement-based procedures typically
have targeted acceptance for children with severe food refusal;
however, these procedures do not always result in successful
swallowing. Once acceptance is achieved, some children expel the food
repeatedly or pack (hold or pocket) it in their mouths for extended
periods of time. This study evaluated the effects of
using food redistribution with a bristled massaging toothbrush to
reduce packing and increase consumption in 4 children with severe
feeding disorders. Packing was reduced for all children.
In addition, latency to clean mouth (the duration of time
from acceptance to food no longer being present in the child's
mouth in the absence of expulsion) for 2 children decreased when the
food-redistribution procedure was used. Results are discussed in
terms of the potential operant functions of the food-redistribution
procedure.
DESCRIPTORS: food redistribution, negative reinforcement, packing, pediatric feeding disorders